What do Myanmar, Ukraine, and Syria have in common? They're all the focus of active campaigns by the International Committee of the Red Cross to provide much-needed humanitarian aid to areas that have been impacted by armed conflict or natural disaster.
Today is World Humanitarian Day, a day to recognize the good things humanitarian workers do, and to remember those killed while working for humanitarian causes. Earlier this morning, Randeep Sarai, Canada's Secretary of State for International Development released a statement about World Humanitarian Day.
"As humanitarian needs continue to rise globally, we must protect civilians, including humanitarian personnel, and ensure safe and unhindered access to life-saving assistance. World Humanitarian Day’s theme of Act For Humanity underscores the urgent need to uphold international humanitarian law, which provides essential protections for civilians, humanitarian workers and civilian infrastructure during armed conflict," read part of Sarai's statement.
This year, the ICRC is focusing on raising awareness about humanitarian aid workers being targeted in conflict zones. According to the ICRC, 12 humanitarian workers have been killed so far this year, and last year, there were 24. To try and better protect humanitarian workers around the world, the ICRC is looking to governments.
"We are encouraged that 122 states have signed the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, and are hopeful that this renewed commitment will translate into concrete measures to strengthen the safety and security of aid workers," read part of the ICRC's statement.
Some of the Declaration's signatories include Australia, who spearheaded the movement, the United Kingdom, and Canada. When Canada signed on in 2025, the Federal Government committed $400,000 towards the Aid Worker Security Database, which analyzes and tracks violence against humanitarian workers.
For more information about World Humanitarian Day and the ICRC's focus this year, and for information on how you can donate to their causes, click here to visit their website.
